Adam's Heart Valve Surgery Blog – Page 20
Will You Recommend Your Heart Surgeon?
By Adam Pick on May 10, 2019
It’s been 10 wonderful years since we launched the Surgeon Finder at HeartValveSurgery.com. You might remember that we launched the Surgeon Finder to quickly help patients locate and research patient-recommended surgeons. In the last three years alone, the Surgeon Finder had over 756,000 page views. Amazing!
To help future patients… My question to patients who already had surgery is, “Will you recommend your heart surgeon?” If so, this is your opportunity to celebrate him or her by posting a review. To post your review, click here!
Boston Scientific Gets FDA Approval For Lotus Edge TAVR!
By Adam Pick on May 2, 2019
The news coming out about transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) devices is non-stop.
First, we heard about the success of the low-risk TAVR clinical trials for PARTNER 3 and Evolut. Now, I just learned that the Lotus Edge Transcatheter Aortic Valve System just received a Food & Drug Administration approval following the REPRISE III research study. The Lotus is now indicated for severe aortic stenosis patients who are considered “high-risk” for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).
Surgeon Spotlight: Dr. Marc Gerdisch Receives 100 Patient Testimonials!
By Adam Pick on April 25, 2019
I am excited and honored to announce that Dr. Marc Gerdisch just received his 100th patient testimonial at HeartValveSurgery.com!
And, for good reason… Dr. Gerdisch, who is the Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Franciscan Health Heart Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, is one of the most committed and dedicated heart surgeons I know. Over the years, I have seen Dr. Gerdisch go above-and-beyond to help his patients, their families and their friends.
Clinical Trial Update: Evolut Low Risk TAVR Trial
By Adam Pick on April 25, 2019
If you are interested in the new clinical trial results for low-risk TAVR devices, I just posted a follow-up story to my last article about the PARTNER 3 research study by Edwards Lifesciences.
This new post features data and analysis for the the Evolut Low Risk Trial by Medtronic.
To see the story, click here.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Great Information About Bicuspid Aortic Valves & Aortic Aneurysms from Dr. Eric Roselli
By Adam Pick on April 13, 2019
Lately, there has been some great information posted at HeartValveSurgery.com about bicuspid aortic valves and aortic aneurysms. Whether it’s our updated bicuspid aortic valve overview, discussions about the genetics of bicuspid aortic valves, or the top 5 facts about the aorta, I’m thrilled to see this new information helping patients and their care partners.
To keep the bicuspid valve and aortic aneurysm momentum going, I just posted a new video, “Surgical Innovations: Bicuspid Aortic Valves & Aortic Aneurysms”. This educational video was filmed on-site with Dr. Eric Roselli, the Chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, at the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Conference in San Diego, California on January 28.
Dr. Eric Roselli & Me Filming at STS in San Diego
Nebraska Heart Institute Launches Heart Valve Microsite!
By Adam Pick on April 10, 2019
Great news! I am very excited to announce that Nebraska Heart Institute just launched a Heart Valve Microsite at HeartValveSurgery.com!
Nebraska Heart Institute, which is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, is committed to advancing heart valve therapy. Over the years, I have been fortunate to work with Dr. James Wudel, one of their leading cardiac surgeons. Dr. Wudel has been an avid supporter of the HeartValveSurgey.com community by providing editorial contributions specific to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) which is one of Nebraska Heart Institute’s clinical specialties.
What Should Aortic Regurgitation Patients Know About The New HAART Annuloplasty Ring?
By Adam Pick on April 3, 2019
There has been A LOT of discussion lately about the success of the TAVR clinical trial for low-risk patients with aortic stenosis.
However, patients with aortic regurgitation can also get excited about the FDA clearance of the HAART Annuloplasty Device. This new device provides patients a unique treatment option that may yield a life-long fix for leaking aortic valves. Yes, a life-long fix!
To help you learn 7 important facts about this new aortic annuloplasty ring, I just posted a special article, “Breakthrough Innovation: HAART Aortic Valve Annuloplasty Ring Gets FDA Clearance”. In this post, I was fortunate to interview several leading surgeons – including Drs. Badhwar, Gerdisch, Malaisrie and Si – who are all very excited about this new approach to aortic valve repair.
To see the new post, click here.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
My Thoughts & Prayers Are With Mick Jagger!
By Adam Pick on April 1, 2019
Today, I learned that Mick Jagger, lead singer of The Rolling Stones, will undergo heart valve replacement surgery in the very near future. As a result of his condition, Jagger and The Rolling Stones have postponed their upcoming tour in the United States.
While many details specific to Mick Jagger’s heart valve diagnosis and treatment are uncertain, I have done my best to answer 5 important questions for our patient community and his fans given the information we know.
To learn more, see “Mick Jagger’s Heart Valve Surgery: What 5 Important Facts Should You Know?”
Keep on tickin’ Mick!
Adam
True or False: Dogs Reduce the Deadly Risks of Heart Disease
By Adam Pick on March 28, 2019
As a first-time puppy owner, I’m simply in love with Bodie, our 18-month old Goldendoodle. And… It’s not just me. Robyn, my wife, and Ethan, my son, are obsessed with our furry friend. Bodie has become such a fun and important part of our family.
Free Patient eBook: Advances in Mitral Valve Therapy
By Adam Pick on March 25, 2019
Great news! The patient response to our recent webinar, “Advances in Mitral Valve Therapy”, was extraordinary. Hosted by Dr. Clyde Yancy, the immediate Past-President of the American Heart Association, and Dr. Charles Davidson, the Professor of Cardiology at Northwestern Medicine, this live 60-minute session connected patients from all over the world in real-time to discuss mitral valve disease, heart failure and the newest technologies and clinical trials helping patients.
If you missed the webinar, no problem! I just posted a free 54-page eBook for immediate download. If you – or someone you love – has mitral valve disease, I encourage you, your family and your friends to read this eBook. There were so many great points raised during this webinar that patients need to know about.
To instantly download the eBook, click here.
One Thumb-Up, A Red Pillow & 9,500 Facebook Likes for John!
By Adam Pick on March 19, 2019
Unbelievable!
I’m talking about you! Yes, you! And, all wonderful patients in our community!
Your support for each other continues to inspire me beyond belief. For example… You may have seen at John’s Heart Valve Journal that he just had successful mitral, tricuspid and atrial fibrillation surgery. After being discharged, John posted this smiling photo of his early recovery at his journal.
Low-Risk TAVR Clinical Trial Results Released
By Adam Pick on March 17, 2019
Finally! We have results for one of the most talked about heart valve clinical trials at HeartValveSurgery.com!
On Friday, at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) conference in New Orleans, the results for the low-risk, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) were released.
As for the results… Drum roll please…
“Are Bicuspid Aortic Valves Passed From Maternal or Paternal Relatives?” asks Sue
By Adam Pick on March 14, 2019
A very interesting question from Sue just came in about the genetics of heart valve disease including bicuspid aortic valves. Sue writes to me, “Hi Adam, Since there appears to be hereditary factors involved in aortic valve disease… Does it come from maternal or paternal relatives? (or in my case, probably both?) Thanks!”
Don’t Miss the “Advances in Mitral Valve Therapy” Webinar Today
By Adam Pick on March 13, 2019
[Update: This webinar occurred on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. You can download the free eBook or watch the webinar video playback by clicking here.]
You guys and gals are AMAZING!!!
Registration for our “Advances in Mitral Valve Therapy” webinar exceeded all expectations! In just 5 days, over 439 patients registered for this special event. Featured speakers include Dr. Clyde Yancy, the former President of the American Heart Association, and Dr. Charles Davidson, the Professor of Cardiology at Northwestern Medicine.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Mitral Valve Webinar Alert! Patient Registrations Soar!
By Adam Pick on March 10, 2019
[Update: This webinar occurred on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. You can download the free eBook or watch the webinar video playback by clicking here.]
Wow! Double Wow! Triple Wow!
Patient registrations for our “Advances in Mitral Valve Therapy” webinar soared past 300 patients. That said, I quickly increased space for this special community event that will be held this Wednesday, March 13, at 5pm CST. We’re now at 389 patient registrations!!!
Patient Webinar: “Advances in Mitral Valve Therapy” with Dr. Yancy, Dr. Davidson & Me
By Adam Pick on March 6, 2019
[Update: This webinar occurred on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. You can download the free eBook or watch the webinar video playback by clicking here.]
What are the newest technologies and procedures treating mitral valve disease WITHOUT open heart surgery?
Find out when Dr. Clyde Yancy, former President of the American Heart Association, and Dr. Charles Davidson, Professor of Cardiology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, join me for a FREE one-hour webinar, “Advances in Mitral Valve Therapy”, next Wednesday, March 13, at 5pm CST.
Space is limited to the first 100 registrants.
Also… During the webinar, we will also have a live “Questions & Answers” session where YOU can ask your questions directly to Drs. Yancy and Davidson. This is going to be great!
Keep on tickin!
Adam
The Aortic Stenosis “Danger Zone” Is Here
By Adam Pick on March 4, 2019
I just spoke with a patient who was recently diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. The nature of our discussion was a bit concerning. So, I wanted to relay the ideas exchanged during our call for all of us to reflect upon and potentially learn from.
To start, the patient is in her golden years and flat-out terrified by the idea of heart surgery. She said to me, “Adam, I may just pass on the operation and live out my days. I don’t really feel sick. Just a little tired on walks.” She continued with fear in her voice and said hesitantly, “Will… I… Be… Okay?”
Now That’s A License Plate!
By Adam Pick on February 21, 2019
To whomever is driving this car around Los Angeles, California,
I’d just like to say, “Thank You!” for making my day! And, “Thank You!” for raising awareness to heart valve disease!
Grab Some Popcorn! Dr. Fedak Is Ted Talking!
By Adam Pick on February 17, 2019
I’m a big fan of Dr. Paul Fedak from Calgary.
If you have not heard that name before… Dr. Fedak is a well-respected surgeon, an inventor, a big-time researcher of bicuspid aortic valves, and an ongoing supporter of this community.
Mava’s Smiling Scar Selfie Inspires 7,300 Facebook Likes!
By Adam Pick on February 16, 2019
Many, many, many thanks to Mava Reif, from Saint Cloud, Florida, for inspiring our community!
So you know… Mava was unexpectedly diagnosed with severe mitral valve regurgitation. Her symptoms included fatigue and shortness of breath but she was “shocked” to learn that she needed heart surgery. Thankfully, Mava located Dr. Kevin Accola at AdventHealth in Orlando, Florida.
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Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Luis Castro is the #1 patient-recommended heart valve surgeon at HeartValveSurgery.com. Dr. Castro specializes in minimally-invasive heart valve surgery.
